MY BLOG

Posts for: July, 2017

We should be able to make it through the day without having our feet making us aware of them. Itching or painful feet can be quite a distraction. Furthermore, It these symptoms often result in a change in our gait. A change in gait puts undue stresses on multiple joints and can over work muscles. This can gradually lead to other areas of the body becoming injured and painful such as our knees, hips or back. Today, I would like to focus on causes of dryness and itching that are not related to athlete's foot. The most common condition I see in my office that presents this way besides athlete's foot is eczema. Eczema is not contagious. It will usually present as dry and scaling skin. It is generally considered to be an inherited condition. Any factors that seem to promote dryness will likely aggravate this condition. Over washing the skin or using harsh soaps can contribute to this condition as well. Low humidity is another factor. At East Avenue Podiatry, I have noticed that often this condition is worse in the winter. The appearance can also include a rash and sometimes various bumps on the skin. If scratched, these areas may ooze liquid. One of the best treatments for eczema is the use of topical hydrocortisone steroids. Steroids reduce itching and inflammation. Steroids come in many strengths and can be purchased over-the-counter or by prescription. Once the patient is improved, I will often recommend emollient type creams or lotions to help prevent dryness.
There are other reasond feet can become dry and itchy such as allergic reactions which may be caused by an ingredient in the laundry detergent being used to clean the patient's clothes. This type of condition can also be relieved by steroid creams. However it is essential to eliminate the cause of the allergy as well. Psoriasis is a another condition to consider which often presents as scaling patches. This condition is best treated by prescription medications prescribed by either a dermatologist or podiatrist.
The bottom line is that we generally do not have to live with these discomforting conditions. There are treatments and I encourage seeking professional help if you are suffering with these symptoms. We can be reached at East Avenue Podiatry by calling 203 – 853 – 6570 or at [email protected] Enjoy the summer.
Lonnie N Resnick DPM

Did you ever wonder whether it is normal for your feet to itch? Well it is not and we can take actions to prevent it. First, it is important to understand why our feet sometimes itch. There are multiple causes. The most common cause during the summer months is a condition called tinea pedis, commonly known as "athletes foot". This is a condition that results most often in skin that appears to be red and scaling. The areas most often involved are the bottom of the feet and between the toes. Fungal spores are virtually everywhere. They are on the floor, inbedded in carpets and likely in our shoes. Fungus loves dark, moist areas which explains why our feet are so susceptible. It is not a coincidence that the areas of our feet with the greatest concentration of sweat glands is most affected. So how do we prevent athletes foot. We need to try to create an environment that fungus does not do well in. The more we dry our feet well and allow them to breath, the lower the odds of contracting athletes foot. It is worth taking the time to dry your feet thoroughly with a towel after showering or bathing and include the areas between your toes. When home and relaxing, taking your shoes and socks off is also beneficial. At East Avenue Podiatry, we often recommend our patients lightly powder their feet before putting socks on. By the way, wearing most types of socks is beneficial while in shoes. Cotton socks allow for good breathing, while nylons do not. If you do contract athletes foot, treating with antifungal creams is usually effective. Applying the cream 2-3 times a day for a few weeks will do the trick in most cases. Lamasil and lotrimin cream are the two most popular over the counter creams and there are many that can be prescribed by a doctor. In chronic cases, an oral antifungal may be utilized. The oral medicines available are somewhat toxic to the liver and therefore the patient needs to be monitored for liver function before starting the medicine and again if on them for any length of time. Once the fungal infection is cleared, preventing a reoccurance is key. My office carries an antifungal spray that can be used in shoes at the end of the day to kill off the fungal spores that are present. So you see, there is no reason to suffer with the itching and discomfort of athletes foot. Take these precautions and certainly call East Avenue Podiatry at 203-853-6570 for an appointment if symptoms continue. Tune in next for other causes of itchy feet.